Lee's Summit Airport Open House

June 28, 2014

Tribune Photos by Ron Wight

By Steven WagnerNewsDesk@lstribune.net

On
Saturday, June 21st the Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport held its annual
Open House. A community event with something for all ages, the Airport
was showing off its new entrance and the professionalism of its staff.
Many aircraft were on display, some that visitors (including kids!)
could climb in and feel the excitement.

John Ohrazda, Manager of
the airport for 30 years is rightfully proud of his staff and the
community at the City Airport. The airport is part way through an
expansion that has seen minor delays due to delayed funding, but will
eventually see the lengthening of the runways to allow small business
jet traffic to fly in and out with full tanks of fuel.

Mr. Ohrazda wanted to highlight the contribution of the Civil Air Patrol’s participation in this year’s event.

Those members helping were from the Lee’s Summit Composite Squadron located right at the airport.

The
Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, civilian volunteer
auxiliary of the United States Air Force. They offer a cadet program for
youths 12 to 18.

The family friendly event began at 9 AM and
ended at 4PM with approximately 1,200 guests visiting. The EAA Chapter
91 (Experimental Aircraft Association) held a pancake breakfast that
began at 7:30AM and served over 400 visitors, the largest in memory. EAA
chapter 91 also provided Young Eagle flights for kids 8 to 17 to
increase their desire to participate in aviation careers. 114 flights on
15 different aircraft were provided.

This coming Saturday, June
28th, a clinic will be held at the airport for the Kansas City precision
flying team with planes arriving from all over the country. Between 35
and 43 aircraft are expected to attend.Next year’s event is already
in planning, so mark your calendars for June 20th, 2015 and come out
and enjoy your local aviation community’s show.